After more than three decades of service as one of WWE’s most respected and recognizable referees, Mike Chioda has seemingly confirmed his retirement from professional wrestling. His legacy as the longest-tenured WWE referee is marked by countless memorable matches and moments that helped shape modern pro wrestling.
A Career Spanning Over 30 Years in WWE
Michael Joseph Canzano, better known as Mike Chioda, joined WWE in the late 1980s and worked with the company for over 30 years before his release in April 2020. During this extensive tenure, Chioda officiated some of the most high-profile matches in WWE history, including WrestleMania main events and championship bouts.
His career highlights include refereeing iconic bouts such as the WrestleMania XXVIII main event between John Cena and The Rock in 2012, as well as the historic triple threat match at WrestleMania 31 where Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract[3]. Chioda was known for maintaining professionalism under pressure and being a steady, reliable presence in chaotic match environments.
Confirming His Retirement
Although Mike Chioda was released from WWE in 2020 during company-wide budget cuts, he stayed active in wrestling circles on a more selective basis. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Chioda openly stated that he is “pretty much” retired. He added that while he is open to doing “a match or two here and there,” his primary focus now is on refereeing seminars, training new officials, and hosting his podcast, Monday Mailbag with Mike Chioda.
Chioda described feeling fulfilled with his decision, saying that he enjoys passing on his knowledge to the next generation of referees and maintaining a presence in the wrestling community through other means beyond in-ring officiating.
Post-WWE Life and Legacy
Backstage sources reveal that Chioda had planned for his post-WWE career to include working at the WWE Performance Center training referees, but the pandemic and company restructuring altered those plans. Instead, Mike has engaged in independent wrestling appearances and signed on for a handful of matches outside WWE, including working briefly with AEW.
A WWE insider commented on Chioda’s mindset, “Mike has always been passionate about the craft of refereeing. Even after stepping away from full-time duty, he’s dedicated himself to helping improve the standards and training of referees. His knowledge is invaluable.” This insider also noted that “Mike’s retirement is natural after such an incredible run, but he’s left a lasting mark on professional wrestling’s officiating world.”
Remembering the “Referee of Our Childhood”
Fans often refer to Mike Chioda as “the referee of our childhood,” a testament to how many wrestling fans grew up seeing him at ringside during pivotal wrestling moments for over 30 years. He was a calm, steadying figure witnessed during the careers of legends like The Undertaker, Ric Flair, John Cena, and many others.
One memorable recent moment was when Chioda officiated Ric Flair’s final match in 2022, an emotional capstone to a storied career. Chioda described that match as “the last chapter of his book,” signaling his awareness that his full-time refereeing days were coming to a close
For those who witnessed his career, Mike Chioda’s retirement marks the end of an era in pro wrestling officiating. His dedication, professionalism, and passion set a high bar for those who follow. While he may no longer be a regular fixture in WWE rings, his influence on refereeing standards and his contribution to the industry will endure.
As one backstage source summarized, “Mike didn’t just call matches; he helped tell wrestling stories. He’s helped shape wrestling’s history in more ways than most fans realize.”